Last Assignment

The last batch of papers produced a number of interesting discussions on the relation between narrative form and content. While some papers only discussed "identity" and "memory" as themes, rather than analyzing how each narrative formally constructed these concepts, on the whole there was a jump in the level of engagement and ability between papers one and two. That said, there are students who are still woefully behind, in terms of handing work in and in terms of even understanding what we’ve been doing in class. And nearly everyone could stand to take the logs more seriously---after all, completing the logs is a requirement for passing the course, at the very least.

Therefore, this final paper offers something different to each group of students. For those who have truly been students, this paper should be seen as a challenging opportunity to present a polished example of what you’ve gained over the semester. For those who have been occupying seats in the classroom, this paper is a last chance to try to turn something in.

Choosing either Storytelling, Hamlet, or Freeway, discuss how the film addresses the status of Truth. Pay particular attention to the relation between specific narrative elements and the film’s subject matter. In other words, how does the film use narrative convention and the devices of film making (including genre) to raise questions about the nature of Truth?

Some things to consider. Both Storytelling and Hamlet focus on the narrative mediation of reality. Both of these films spend time examining, among other things, the crucial role that communication media play in our apprehension of the world and it’s “truth.” Storytelling juxtaposes the conceptual categories of “fiction” and “nonfiction,” as well as two different media: written and filmed narratives. And nearly every one of the characters represent conflicting and contradictory views or “truths.” Hamlet draws our eye, over and over again, to the dominance of the visual image in contemporary culture, and the privileged status of film as medium for understanding and expressing ourselves. Freeway, on the other hand, rewrites a fear-engendering blame-the-victim children’s tale (Little Red Riding Hood) into an over-the-top, genre-riffing ode to female empowerment. The film's "little Red" character, Vanessa Lutz, not only wards off an attack by a serial killer, but also repeated attacks on her honesty and truth telling.

All papers must be turned in on the last day of class, when we’ll also be screening one final film yet to be announced.

Length: 5-6 pages, typed, double-spaced, titled and stapled
Due: May 18 (Final day of class)